Why is the draft in Kansas City? How the NFL chose the NFL Draft host city in 2023 and beyond

Kevin Skiver

Why is the draft in Kansas City? How the NFL chose the NFL Draft host city in 2023 and beyond image

The reigning Super Bowl champions are also going to be the hosts of the NFL Draft this year, as the stage moves from the desert to the Midwest.

After the 2022 NFL Draft was hosted in Las Vegas, the 2023 draft will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, home of the defending champion Chiefs.

The Chiefs, of course, don't pick until the end of the first round (31st overall, due to the rare circumstance of the Dolphins forfeiting their first-round pick). However, NFL fans of every team will undoubtedly show up as they do every year to welcome their new draft picks.

Although the NFL Draft was traditionally hosted in New York City from 1965 to 2014, the league has in recent years instituted a Super Bowl-like bidding process for cities to host the draft. It's been hosted in different locations for each of the past eight years, including 2020 when it was held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Why is the NFL Draft in Kansas City?

The NFL Draft will be held at Kansas City's iconic Union Station this year after the city won the bid to host the event. 

Essentially, interested cities must submit bids and then the 32 NFL owners vote on where the next draft will be hosted.

"This will be one of the biggest and most-anticipated professional sporting events our city has hosted," said Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC, per Chiefs.com. "Not only will fans from around the country be traveling to experience the NFL Draft and NFL Draft Experience, but millions of viewers will see Kansas City in the national spotlight on NFL Network, ESPN and other major networks." 

Other locations leading up to Kansas City have included Philadelphia, Dallas, Nashville, Cleveland, and Las Vegas. Detroit will be up next in 2024.

MORE: Latest 2023 NFL Draft leaks, news and trade buzz ahead of Round 1

How are NFL Draft locations selected?

NFL Draft locations are selected by the owners after proposals are submitted by interested teams.

Although the drafts in 2023 and 2024 are accounted for, the Packers are submitting bids for 2025.

Kevin Skiver

Kevin Skiver Photo

Kevin Skiver has been a content producer at Sporting News since 2021. He previously worked at CBS Sports as a trending topics writer, and now writes various pieces on MLB, the NFL, the NBA, and college sports. He enjoys hiking and eating, not necessarily in that order.